There's no question that Airbnb offers one of the best ways to travel and experience the world. There's no better way to learn about a destination and to not feel like a tourist than to stay in a neighbourhood and an accommodation where people actually live rather than being in a hotel. If that's what you're looking for, of course. I've had great experiences staying in Airbnb's in Brooklyn, Barcelona and Valencia, and wouldn't have traded them for all the room service in the world.

So, when we were looking to do a little in-town getaway for our anniversary (because the grandparents ever-so-kindly offered to stay chez us and mind our babe. Yay!), we decided to think outside the box a little and go with an Airbnb stay instead of a hotel. We chose the King of Portland Suite on Portland near King St. West (see what they did there?) and it was perfect. Clean, spacious, just as it looked in the pictures, with cable and WiFi all included, and Victoria was an awesome host. It was conveniently close to our spa date, dinner and brunch plans. Plus...and this is very important as new parents...comfy and quiet enough for a blissful nine hours of sleep. It doesn't get much better than that.

I write about the things I love...

Fitness. Health and Wellness. Travel. Food & Beverage. Fashion. Film. Music. All of the good things in life (to me, at least).

Milk Tea + Night Market Chic in Keelung 🇹🇼 Photo by @visualbass

I’m baaaack! Today is going to be twice as nice @misfitstudio because I’m teaching Get Strong on the Reformer at 12 pm + 5:30 pm. See you there! 📷 by @visualbass

Crisp on the outside, gooey on the inside, with just the right amount of chocolate (meaning: a little too much, obviously). Wishing I had a ☕️ and one of these massive cookies from @coffee.dpt in Taipei right about now. 📷 by @visualbass

All smiles here, but that hasn’t always been the case. I’m sharing a part of my story today because I’m feeling inspired by so many others, and with the hope that someone might feel a little less alone if they read it. It’s not something I’ve really talked about before and I’m a little scared to say this, but here goes: I have struggled with my mental health at times. Somewhere in my early 20s, despite having always been a high achiever, some difficult things that happened I just sort of crashed. I was not so functional. It felt frustrating and humiliating. I tried to get through it on my own, but eventually asked for help and was treated for depression and anxiety. Some people close to me thought this was something to be ashamed of, but I knew it was the strongest thing that I could do - and getting that help continues to help me even today. I’ve never been very open about it though because I saw it as being a liability in my line of work. And I think until very recently, it was. After some time and the right treatment I felt much better. And sure, I still feel like I am “different” at times and it isn’t always easy, but I also know now that life has been very good to me and I am thankful for that. Like with physical health, keeping mentally healthy is an ongoing process that requires conscious effort. The past few years have certainly brought their challenges. Losing my Dad to lung cancer and some unpleasant circumstances at a former workplace are both things that were very difficult to go through - especially losing my Dad. That was incredibly tough, and still makes me very sad. What gets me through is reaching out to a great support network and the ability to see the light at the end of the tunnel. (That’s part of the ongoing work). Movement always helps me as well, which is why I make being active such big priority in my life.
I guess my point here is that if you ever feel really really down, know that you are not alone and things can get better. And please, ask for help. It will make the world of difference. #endthestigma #bellletstalk #mentalhealthawareness 📷 by @visualbass m/u + hair by @jesshaisingermu

Made all of the memories (and ate all of the food). Mission accomplished. Thank you Taiwan ♥️

Stopped into @shijiantea yesterday in Taipei and instantly fell in love with everything about this place. The owner is comes from a family that has been producing tea for 5 generations, his wife is behind the design for the store and the branding, and his daughter came up with the name for this shop. The tea was really amazing (picked up some Iron Goddess to bring home), some of the best we’ve ever had, available in hot or cold brews (that’s cold brew tea in the bottles there). It was refreshing to have this some more traditional tea amongst all the Bubble Tea that is everywhere here (not that I don’t love that too, of course). 📷 by @visualbass

Freshly baked scones are a thing wherever you are in the world. These ones from @ciaociaogoodfood in Taipei were just perfect - my favourites were the matcha (eaten too fast to take a pic) and burnt sugar + sea salt. This city has proven to be a veritable wonderland for pastries and desserts. (Send help pls.) 📷 and taste tested by @visualbass (Side Note: I LOVE that my mani in @cndworld Video Violet by Shirley @tipsnailbar still looks so goooood weeks into my trip!)

We’ve had moments of frustration on this trip (kiddo is officially tired of dining in restaurants for a while, I think). But we’ve also had countless moments of joy as well, and I wouldn’t want to do this any other way. I hope we’ve made some incredible memories for Archer and have created a foundation of curiosity about the world for him. 📷 by @visualbass

If you ever get a chance to experience your very own private hot spring, I highly recommend it. It may not be beach weather here in Taipei right now, but this feels like pure luxury. 👙 from @swimco 📷 by @visualbass #feelgoodhalfnaked #partner

By far my favourite moment of this trip has been visiting the home that @visualbass grew up in until he moved to Canada. We decided to walk there while Archer was napping and he woke up just before we arrived. We explained that this had been Dada’s home and he was so curious and sweet about it. Usually it’s my husband taking all the photos, but I was extra proud to get to take this one.

Room with a view (of Taipei 101). Everything about our stay @wtaipei was memorable - from the service, to the food, to the design details & beyond. 📷 by @visualbass #wtaipei ♥️

Traveling with a wee one can have its challenges. Our trip has involved multiple locations and multiple modes of transportation so far (this isn’t a resort holiday!) so the logistics have been ... interesting at times. One thing I definitely wasn’t worried about for this trip to Taiwan was bringing our @bugaboostrollers Bee 5 for Archer. It’s the only stroller that gets us around Toronto, and now we’ve taken it across the world. 🌏 #bugaboobee5 #bugaboofamily #bugabooniark1 #bugaboopartner 📷 by @visualbass

We enjoyed a luxurious experience during our stay at the @taipei_marriott_hotel. The Grand Ballroom is quite the stunner (human for scale). #Taipei #taipeihotel 📷 by @visualbass

Feels like springtime in Taipei right now and I don’t mind it one bit. 📷 by @visualbass

All of the lights (and all of the eats) at the Night Market in Keelung, Taiwan. Well worth a visit if you love food. 📷 by @visualbass